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[Text/Observer Network Chen Sijia] According to the British Financial Times on August 5, the Israeli leadership recently quarreled over the Gaza ceasefire negotiations. Defense officials advocated a ceasefire and exchange of detained personnel with the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), while Prime Minister Netanyahu opposed the ceasefire and insisted that Israel should not "rush to an agreement."

A person familiar with the matter revealed that there are big differences between Netanyahu and Israeli security officials. "At present, all security officials believe that there is no obstacle for Israel to reach an agreement, but this must be agreed by Netanyahu."

The report said that security officials supporting the ceasefire agreement include IDF Chief of Staff Hezi Halevy, David Banea, head of Israel's Intelligence and Secret Service (Mossad), and Ronan Bar, head of Israel's Shin Bet. Sources familiar with the matter also revealed that at a controversial meeting last week, all defense officials present were in favor of reaching an agreement.

Israeli Defense Minister Galant, also believed to be in favor of a deal, said in a call with his Italian counterpart last week that it was "crucial to reach an agreement on the hostage swap."

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu (center), Defense Minister Galant (left) and Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Halevy (right) The Paper

But Netanyahu maintained a "tough" stance and always opposed the ceasefire agreement. Israeli media such as Channel 12 revealed that Netanyahu had a fierce argument with security officials late at night. On July 31, he rebuked the security officials, saying: "You are all cowards, you don't know how to negotiate... Don't put pressure on the prime minister, put pressure on (Hamas Gaza Strip leader) Sinwar."

Israeli security officials countered that after 10 months of conflict, Hamas had been "damaged enough" and Israel had weakened the threat from the Gaza Strip, arguing that Israel needed to seize the opportunity to reach a ceasefire and exchange detainees.

The Financial Times pointed out that the ceasefire negotiations in Gaza have been stalled for months, with Hamas insisting on a "permanent end to the war" and Netanyahu rejecting this demand. Last month, Hamas made a "major concession" and agreed to postpone negotiations on ending the war until the first phase of the three-phase ceasefire agreement is completed.

But several people familiar with the negotiations revealed that Netanyahu then put forward "tough conditions", refusing to withdraw from the "Philadelphia Corridor" at the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt and demanding that Hamas militants be prevented from returning to northern Gaza. The two sides also had differences on the number of Israeli detainees and Palestinian prisoners to be released.

"The mediators have been trying to convey the message that unless Israel softens its stance, the talks could falter again," one diplomat said.

Israeli tanks on the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip Visual China

The Times of Israel said that Netanyahu's conditions were opposed by senior security officials such as Halevy and Galant, who believed that Netanyahu was obstructing the negotiations and would lead to the breakdown of the negotiations. However, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office blamed the problem on Hamas, claiming that Hamas "tried to make dozens of changes to the agreement." The Prime Minister's Office also denied that Netanyahu had reprimanded security officials.

Analysts believe that domestic politics in Israel is influencing Netanyahu's decision. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich threatened in June that they would withdraw their parties from the ruling coalition if Netanyahu accepted any form of ceasefire agreement.

Israeli sources told the Financial Times that Netanyahu has been pressuring the US in recent weeks to obtain a "letter of understanding" signed by the US government. If the negotiations break down at the end of the first phase of the agreement, the "letter of understanding" would allow Israel to resume military operations in the Gaza Strip. This could provide Netanyahu with a means to appease the far right.

The source said bluntly: "Netanyahu wants to get out of the agreement and continue to attack Hamas. He does not want the agreement to be binding."

The recent death of Hamas Political Bureau leader Ismail Haniyeh in an Israeli attack has made ceasefire negotiations in Gaza more difficult. Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed said on July 31 that while negotiations were ongoing, political assassinations and attacks on Gaza civilians were still continuing. "How can mediation succeed when one party assassinates the other party's negotiator?"

The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned Israel for undermining mediation and undermining the efforts of Egypt and its partners to end the Gaza war and the suffering of the Palestinian people. "This escalation in the region coincides with the lack of progress in the Gaza ceasefire negotiations, which increases the complexity of the situation and shows that Israel lacks the political will to calm the situation."

Even Israel's close ally, the United States, has urged Israel to achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible to ease regional tensions. After a phone call with Netanyahu last week, US President Biden said Israel should seize the opportunity to reach a ceasefire agreement. Biden said: "I had a very direct conversation with Netanyahu, and we now have the basis for a ceasefire, and they should act immediately."

This article is an exclusive article of Observer.com and may not be reproduced without authorization.